Steve Wozniak

Steve Wozniak

Personal Computer

US Patent No.
4,136,359

Inducted in 2000

Born
August 11, 1950

In 1976, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer, Inc. with Wozniak's Apple I personal computer. The following year, he introduced his Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, color graphics, and a floppy disk drive. The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry.

Through the years, Wozniak has been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students. He has adopted the Los Gatos School District, providing students and teachers with hands-on teaching and donations of state-of-the-art technology equipment. He was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet, and the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose.

In 1981, Wozniak went back to the University of California, Berkeley, and finished his degree in electrical engineering and computer science. For his achievements, he was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honor bestowed on America's leading innovators. He has also received the Heinz Award for Technology, the Economy and Employment. Currently, Wozniak serves as Chief Scientist for Fusion-io.